Croatia and Spain Triumph at IHF Beach Handball Global tour Opener
women secured victories at the IHF Beach Handball Global Tour in Hammamet, Tunisia, setting the stage for the finals in Brazil."/>
Hammamet, tunisia – Croatia’s men’s team and Spain’s women’s team emerged victorious at the opening stage of the 2025 IHF Beach Handball Global Tour (BHGT), held in Hammamet, Tunisia.the two-day competition, a prelude to the upcoming 2025 IHF Men’s and Women’s Youth Beach Handball World Championships, saw intense competition and secured both winning teams a spot in the BHGT Finals Stage in João Pessoa, Brazil, scheduled for November 7-9.
Women’s Tournament: Spain Dominates
The women’s final saw Spain defeat Greece in a decisive 2-0 victory (16:10, 23:16). Asun Batista and Sara Hernandez led the scoring for Spain, each contributing 12 points. The bronze medal match saw Tunisia,playing on home soil,face Croatia. Despite losing 2-0 to Croatia in the preliminary round, Tunisia put up a strong fight. Croatia narrowly won the first set 14:13, thanks to a late goal by Dicak. However,Tunisia rallied to win the second set 19:16 and ultimately secured the bronze medal with a 9:8 victory in a shoot-out,with Ajmi Zayneb scoring the decisive point.
Women’s results summary
- Final: spain vs. Greece 2-0 (16:10, 23:16)
- Bronze: Croatia vs. Tunisia 1-2 (14:13, 16:19, SO 8:9)
Men’s Tournament: Croatia Claims Victory
In the men’s competition, Croatia secured the gold medal after a hard-fought final against Spain. After splitting the first two sets (26:24, 24:20), Croatia triumphed in a shoot-out, winning 6:2. Captain Ivan Juric led the scoring with 16 points. The bronze medal match featured a North African derby between Tunisia and Egypt, with Egypt winning 2-0 (18:12, 19:16), thanks to Mahmoud mohamed’s nine points.
did You Know? beach handball emphasizes spectacular play, with goals scored through techniques like spins and trick shots counting for two points.
Men’s Results Summary
- Final: Spain vs. Croatia 1-2 (24:26, 24:20, SO 2:6)
- Bronze: Tunisia vs. Egypt 0-2 (12:18, 16:19)
Coach’s Perspective
Croatia coach Mladen Paradzik praised his team’s performance and highlighted the importance of introducing young players to the international stage.He noted the contributions of debutants Anteo Balic and Domagoj Kulis, and also Ivan Rukljac, emphasizing the value of the IHF Beach Handball Global Tour in developing talent.
Pro Tip: Beach handball teams frequently enough utilize specialized goalkeepers who can also participate in the attack, adding a dynamic element to the game.
Looking Ahead
The IHF Beach Handball Global Tour continues with the next stage in Laredo, Spain, from July 29-30. The Finals Stage will take place in João pessoa, Brazil, from November 7-9. These events are crucial for teams aiming to qualify for major international competitions and for developing the sport globally.
The Hammamet event also served as a test run for the upcoming 2025 IHF Men’s and Women’s Youth Beach handball world Championships, providing valuable insights for organizers. The International Handball Federation (IHF) continues to invest in beach handball, recognizing its potential for growth and its appeal to a younger audience.
Preliminary Round Results
| Category | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Egypt vs Croatia | 0-2 (18:27,14:16) |
| Men | Spain vs Tunisia | 2-0 (22:16,21:17) |
| Men | Croatia vs Spain | 2-1 (22:26,26:22,SO 14:12) |
| Men | Tunisia vs Egypt | 2-0 (12:10,22:14) |
| Men | Spain vs Egypt | 2-0 (14:10,24:18) |
| Men | Tunisia vs Croatia | 2-1 (18:28,21:20,SO 12:10) |
| Women | Croatia vs Greece | 1-2 (8:28,16:12,SO 8:9) |
| Women | Tunisia vs Spain | 0-2 (16:21,8:24) |
| Women | Greece vs Spain | 0-2 (20:21,14:20) |
| Women | Croatia vs Tunisia | 2-0 (21:20,19:12) |
| Women | Spain vs Croatia | 2-0 (17:16,15:14) |
| Women | Tunisia vs Greece | 0-2 (11:20,13:20) |
What are your predictions for the upcoming stages of the IHF Beach handball Global Tour? How do you see beach handball evolving in the coming years?
Evergreen Insights: The Rise of Beach Handball
Beach handball,a dynamic and fast-paced sport,has seen significant growth in popularity over the past decade. Its origins can be traced back to Italy in the early 1990s, and it has as spread globally, attracting players and fans alike. The sport’s unique rules, emphasizing spectacular goals and teamwork, contribute to its appeal. The IHF has played a crucial role in promoting beach handball through initiatives like the Global Tour, which provides a platform for teams to compete at a high level and for young players to develop their skills. The inclusion of beach handball in multi-sport events, such as the World Games, has further raised its profile.
The increasing professionalism of beach handball is evident in the improved training methods and the emergence of dedicated beach handball academies.As the sport continues to grow, it is expected to attract more sponsors and media coverage, further solidifying its place in the global sporting landscape. The upcoming youth World Championships in Tunisia are a testament to the IHF’s commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level, ensuring a bright future for beach handball.
frequently Asked Questions About Beach Handball
- what are the key differences between beach handball and indoor handball?
- Beach handball is played on sand with smaller teams (4 players per side), emphasizes spectacular goals, and has different scoring rules compared to indoor handball.
- How is the IHF Beach Handball Global Tour structured?
- The IHF Beach Handball Global Tour consists of multiple stages held in different countries,culminating in a Finals Stage where the top teams compete for the title.
- What makes beach handball so appealing to players and fans?
- Beach handball’s fast-paced action,emphasis on skill and creativity,and beach setting make it an exciting and engaging sport for both players and fans.
- How is the IHF supporting the growth of beach handball?
- The IHF supports beach handball through initiatives like the Global Tour, youth growth programs, and by including the sport in major international events.
- what are the qualification pathways for major beach handball tournaments?
- Teams can qualify for major beach handball tournaments through continental championships, the IHF Beach Handball Global Tour, and other qualifying events.
- Where will the next IHF Beach Handball Global Tour event be held?
- The next IHF Beach Handball Global Tour event will be held in laredo, Spain, from July 29-30.
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